# NTSB CHI87LA092: Mooney M-20G, N3960N, Kenosha, WI, March 8, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 8, 1987, 11:15 local (17:15 UTC)
- Place: Kenosha, WI
- Coordinates: 42.579959, -87.849052 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.5800&lon=-87.8491&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 5, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13740
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87LA092
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13740/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA092

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - maneuver - improper, pilot of other aircraft (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

WHILE ON DOWNWIND LEG THE PILOT HEARD ANOTHER AIRCRAFT CALL DOWNWIND. WHEN HE TURNED TO FINAL THE OTHER AIRCRAFT TURNED BASE. AS HE DESCENDED ON FINAL APPROACH THE OTHER AIRCRAFT TURNED SHARPLY INSIDE THE ACFT ON FINAL AND LANDED. THE FOLLOWING AIRCRAFT STRUCK POWER LINES AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO INCREASE THE SPACE BETWEEN THE TWO ACFT. A PERSON ON THE GROUND RECEIVED A SORE NECK ATTEMPTING TO AVOID BEING HIT BY THE FALLING POWER LINES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3960N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3960N-2015-05-13), registration cancelled 2015-05-13, S/N 680067, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MOONEY M-20G
- Registry model: [Mooney M-20G](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m-20g) (registry code 5870216) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 680067
- Airframe hours: 3175
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Delta Flying Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 15, 1986
- Departed: MSN, MADISON, WI
- Airport: ENW, Kenosha Muni, runway 24, 3,300 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,000 total, 138 in this make and model, 1,897 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MKE, 21 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870308005049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870308005049A), Mar 8, 1987: Mooney M20G, Kenosha, WI, Substantial damage. The aircraft struck wires on final approach. The pilot was flying low to maintain separation with another aircraft.

## Other investigations on N3960N (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB MIA68F0521](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA68F0521), Apr 26, 1968: Mooney M20G (N3960N), Byrdstown, TN, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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